Teams ready for Fed Cup clashes

The Bahrainis are one of 14 national teams from across the continent taking part in the competition. The others are Indonesia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Pacific Oceania, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.

Each squad is made up of at least three players. Bahrain have four – Safa Safar, Nazil Nader Redha, Maya Bseisu and Faten Husain. They are captained by Hamad Al Fardan.

The teams have been divided into four pools. The winners of each pool will play-off against one another (A1 v C1 and B1 v D1) to determine which two nations will advance to Asia/Oceania Zone Group I next year.

The draw was held yesterday at the BTF courts. Pool ‘A’ consists of Lebanon, Uzbekistan and New Zealand. Pool ‘B’ includes Kyrgyzstan, Philippines and Singapore. Pool ‘C’ features Oman, Iran, Malaysia and Pacific Oceania while Pool ‘D’ has Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and hosts Bahrain.

Matches begin today at 10am. Bahrain open their campaign against their Indonesian counterparts. There will be two singles matches and one in doubles.